Memories on the Wall

A well-worn den with a rocking chair,

painted pictures on every wall.

See, by the window, that Chinese junk—

a blazing smudge on murky jade waters.

Across the room on the opposite wall, stands a sturdy prairie pinto, packed with an old brown buck-skinner’s bags; he waits in silent weariness for his warming fire to catch.

Between the two, above the couch, stretches a long, blue picture in shining oils: broken shards of castle wall, desolate wailing out of the salty fog.

Is this the house of a roving traveler? An explorer who hung his memories like pelts?

No, simply the house of a daring dreamer…who sat and read and filled with wonder, the ears of lively, little listeners?

Their proud faces cover the final wall.

This was a Carry-On Tuesday prompt taken from a quote by Sir Joshua Reynolds, an 18th century painter: "A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts."